The boat owner charged in relation to the October 2021 deadly boating accident that resulted in the death of local Frandie Martin Jr. has been revealed as British Millionaire Graham Stanton.
The identity of Stanton was revealed in a newspaper article by British media, The Mirror, on Monday, March 20.
According to the article, Stanton, who is charged with manslaughter and with failing to render assistance after a collision, is the son-in-law of Tory peer Ian Macpherson, who holds the title Lord Strathcarron.
Stanton is the second person to be charged in relation to the death of Martin.
In an official statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in April 2022, the Office informed the public that Andrew Morrell was arrested and charged with manslaughter and causing serious injury to a person while on board a vessel; along with failing to render assistance after a collision.
Morrell was subsequently granted bail.
A media release by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force on October 19, 2021 outlined preliminary findings from the investigations carried out by the police, stating, “Sometime after 6:15 p.m. two motor vessels collided in the waters outside Prospect Reef. On board a 40-ft monohull with the name Blue Bayou was a captain and four passengers while on board the other, a 35-ft Contender with the name Yeya, was a captain and two passengers.”
It added, “The three persons on board the Yeya received severe injuries. Frandy Martin Jr., a resident of Fat Hogs Bay, subsequently died of his injuries. The two others, a male and female, are presently receiving treatment at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Of the five on board the Blue Bayou, two minors were treated and discharged and a female continues to receive treatment at the hospital.”
According to the UK media house, the boat Blue Bayou has since been repainted and renamed following the accident.
Providing more details on the matter, The Mirror stated that Stanton was reportedly trapped following the collision and “did not realise anyone else had been thrown overboard after he rescued his children from the water.”